Running back Adrian Peterson is eligible to be reinstated on April 15, and all signs point to a reunion between him and the Minnesota Vikings. Head coach Mike Zimmer, general manager Rick Spielman, owner Mark Wilf and others in the organization have made statements in recent weeks that indicate a continued relationship between the two parties.
"Their unified voice is not coincidence. It feels calculated," wrote Chip Scoggins of the Minnesota Star-Tribune. "The Vikings want to show Peterson, fans and perhaps sponsors that the organization is on the same page now that Peterson's criminal case is behind him and his status must be addressed."
One problem facing the Vikings in this situation is Peterson's $15.4 million salary cap hit in 2015, easily the most expensive mark among running backs. After a year away from the game and his 30th birthday looming in March, it would be well within Minnesota's rights to try and restructure Peterson's deal. But will he be amenable to that?
"The organization is not allowed to have contact with Peterson until his legal case gets resolved, but my gut feeling remains that Peterson would balk at a restructuring request," Scroggins wrote. "He believes he's still the best running back in football, and he told ESPN.com in December that he doesn't see why he would be asked to take a pay cut.
"A showdown might be looming."
It's also possible that Minnesota's unified optimism is a ploy to increase AP's trade value on the open market. We've seen franchises go to greater lengths to cut bait with players. But is a Peterson trade really realistic at this point?
"Running back Adrian Peterson could be back on the field at the start of the 2015 season, depending on how his disciplinary issue with the NFL is resolved, though where he will be playing may be in question," ESPN NFL Insider Field Yates wrote. "With base salaries that balloon to $12.75 million, $14.75 million and $16.75 million over the next three seasons, respectively, none of which is guaranteed, it's far from a sure thing that he'll be back in Minnesota. He'll turn 30 in March, and the Vikings drafted Jerick McKinnon in the third round last May. The team wouldn't likely be able to trade Peterson, but nonetheless, Minnesota has a decision to make about whether to keep its talented running back."
Despite all of the speculation, it would be somewhat surprising if Peterson didn't suit up in a Vikings uniform for at least the 2015 season. His cap number is slightly less in 2016, meaning Minnesota could cut him then if he still refuses to restructure his deal.
AP appeared in just one game this season before being placed on the NFL's exempt list and ultimately receiving a season-ending suspension.
